Service
Range of Checks
MAK Safety Services will carry out a full range of checks while carrying out PAT Testing in NSW including:
- Earth resistance tests
- Earth continuity tests
- Insulation resistance tests
- Leakage tests
- Polarity checks
It’s vital when you’re dealing with different appliances that you undertake some form of PAT testing. The NSW Work Health and Safety Regulations require that employers provide a safe place of work for their employees. There are a number of reasons why appliances should be tested regularly, not only so that they comply with standard regulations, but also to minimize the risk of fire and injury.
Services Offered to Organization
We offer our services to schools, retail stores, offices, factories, child/aged cares, and any other organization that requires a portable appliance test.
Testing is always performed at a time that’s ideal for you. We aim to provide our services with minimum disruption, and our flexibility helps us achieve this goal. Prices start from as little as $2 an Item.
What’s Included in Services?
- Competitive price per item from $2 + GST
- No Site visit charge
- Full Asset Register & Compliance Certification
- Corrective remedial works completed
- Polarity checks
NSW TEST AND TAGGING REQUIREMENTS
Originally extracted from (https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/electrical-and-power/electrical-inspection-and-testing)
Electrical inspection and testing
Certain types of electrical equipment must be regularly inspected and tested by a competent person to identify damage, wear and detect electrical faults.
If you are a business or employer (or other PCBU) you must make sure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment:
- is supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet (‘plug in’ equipment), and
- used in an environment in which its normal use exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, eg conditions such as exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.
COMPETENT PERSON' FOR INSPECTION AND TESTING
A competent person is someone who has acquired – through training, qualification or experience – the knowledge and skills to carry out inspections and testing of electrical equipment.
The relevant Australian standards are:
- AS/NZS 3760: 2010 – In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, outlines inspection, testing and tagging methods
- AS/NZS 3012: 2010 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites,outlines regular inspection and testing requirements.
REGULAR TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The frequency of inspection and testing will vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the risks associated with the electrical equipment. The AS/NZS 3760: 2010 – In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, outlines inspection, testing, tagging methods and frequency.
Details of the required frequency for inspection and testing on construction sites are set out in Australian standard AS/NZS 3012: 2010 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites.
RECORD OF TESTING RESULTS
A record of testing must be kept until the electrical equipment is next tested, permanently removed from the workplace or disposed off. A record of testing must specify:
- the name of the person who carried out the testing
- the date of the testing
- the outcome of the testing
- the date on which the next testing must be carried out.
The record may be in the form of a tag attached to the electrical equipment tested.
What is a PAT test?
A PAT test is a routine inspection of some types of electrical appliances to check that they are safe to use. Its purpose is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.
A full PAT test should include both; a visual inspection, and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment. This test includes earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks.
At the end of a PAT test, every appliance should be marked ‘passed’ or ‘failed’. Ideally, there should be a record of the results.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal requirement or obligation.
However, current NSW Government legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. They also have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of employees and the general public. Because PAT testing is one of the most elective ways to do this, particularly for high-risk or large, complex environments, it has become a standard way of meeting this legal obligation.
Who is responsible for electrical appliance safety?
The ‘Employer’ is responsible for electrical appliance safety.
In larger businesses a ‘competent person’ is often appointed by the employer, whose role is to make sure the company is compliant.
What are the ’categories’ of electrical appliance in PAT testing?
There are 7 categories of electrical appliances which require some level of testing, either a simple visual inspection or a full PAT test:
- Fixed appliances
- Stationary appliances
- IT appliances
- Moveable appliances
- Portable appliances
- Cables and chargers
- Hand Held appliances
How often should items be PAT tested?
There are no specific rules for the frequency of PAT tests. However, the regulations say that the level of precaution taken should be ‘appropriate’ to the risk.
There are 3 main criteria that determine PAT testing frequency:
- the risk level of the working environment
- the electrical class of the appliance
- the category of the appliance
The Health and Safety Executive also recommends taking the following into consideration as necessary:
- manufacturer’s recommendations
- the age of the equipment
- frequency of use
- foreseeable misuse of the equipment
- effects of any modifications or repairs
- the history of the item